FINDING YOUR VOICE THROUGH LOVE AND LITERATURE

A less talked about aspect of feeling safe is having the space and freedom to express oneself truly. It is not enough to be heard, our spirits demand to be felt. Content production is a curated way to deliver well polished versions of ourselves, our values, and even our wounds to the public. Too much expression, and the messenger risks overexposure and a loss of authenticity and intrapersonal intimacy. Too little expression, and the words we never said, the thoughts we never bothered to share, stack up in our gut and begin to claw at our throats.

Women in particular find themselves at risk of withering away under the weight of solitude, silence and exploitation. Research shows a strong link between stress and autoimmune diseases, which disproportionately affect women. (Angum et al.,2020) Studies indicate that chronic psychological and physiological stress trigger immune dysregulation. According to Angum et al, “Autoimmune disorders are characterized as a condition in which the host's immune system mistakenly attacks itself.” Essentially, the conflicts we avoid in the outside world take place within our minds and bodies instead.  

Furthermore, up to 80% of patients report uncommon emotional stress before the onset of conditions like lupus, (rheumatoid) arthritis and multiple sclerosis. And each year, more and more women are getting diagnosed with autoimmune disorders, at afar higher rate than men.
It’s safe to say that for women, adequate expression and existing in environments that are receptive to our words and wellbeing is important for us to not only survive, but to thrive as well.

Writing is an act of exposure. Through it, we reveal what we value, what we think, desire and what we struggle with. We put on paper what is in our hearts and minds. Writing builds a bridge of connection internally and externally. Reflection methods such as journaling are still strongly suggested by therapists precisely because the act of writing to reflect can reveal pathways for progress.  Readers remember the first time they encountered words in a book from a stranger that shocked them into the realization that we are all, in fact, part of an unseen yet deeply felt connection as human beings. There is something marvelous and divine about the connection that literature forms. It is a brave act to work on projects and put them out into the world.

Writing is an act of exposure. Through it, we reveal what we value, what we think, desire and what we struggle with. We put on paper what is in our hearts and minds. Writing builds a bridge of connection internally and externally. Reflection methods such as journaling are still strongly suggested by therapists precisely because the act of writing to reflect can reveal pathways for progress.  Readers remember the first time they encountered words in a book from a stranger that shocked them into the realization that we are all, in fact, part of an unseen yet deeply felt connection as human beings. There is something marvelous and divine about the connection that literature forms. It is a brave act to work on projects and put them out into the world.

Guests were treated to a live set and poetry performance, wine and a buffet, and received goodie bags with copies of the book, as well as a custom set of lavender bath salts, a collaboration designed by the author Louisa April and myself through Bathong, my artisanal wellness brand that specializes in crafting culinary and cosmetic products that are good for one’s mind, body and soul. The night ended in a standing ovation and reflections from the crowd on their own healing paths in life and love. There were tears, so many tears!

This collaboration truly drove home for me the importance of collaboration in the literary space but also, how important it is for us to connect with others in meaningful ways creatively, not just through capitalistic pursuits. Through my work as a children’s author, my main goal is always to create opportunities for deeper understanding and connection intergenerationally. Maatla the Magnet and Lesedi’s Little Light were written to help bridge the conversational gap between caretakers and their children but also to inspire reflection in the children. Both stories speak to the power of love and connection. Love is healing, we know this, but so is literature. In a world where literacy rates are rapidly declining, where memes and skits are a substitute for us using our words, now more than ever, it is imperative for us to find our authentic voices and to use them. To use them well, with integrity, authenticity and above all, a clear understanding of how we can contribute to being the change we want to see in the world.